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Aurora Reservoir wilderness guide
Reservoir · CO

Aurora Reservoir

Aurora Reservoir is a popular recreational spot in Colorado, known for its water activities and scenic views. This man-made reservoir offers a refreshing escape with numerous outdoor activities.

Reservoir820 surface acres1+ Trails

Designation

Reservoir

Total Wilderness Area

820 surface acres

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Aurora Reservoir

Aurora Reservoir is a popular recreational spot in Colorado, known for its water activities and scenic views. This man-made reservoir offers a refreshing escape with numerous outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located southeast of Denver, Aurora Reservoir spans over 820 acres of surface water, making it a significant spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The reservoir was completed in 1990 and serves as a primary water source for Aurora. Beyond its functional purpose, the reservoir provides ample opportunities for recreation, such as sailing, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming at its well-maintained beach. The ecological environment includes native grasses and wildlife, attracting both nature lovers and photographers. Its surrounding trails offer a chance for a serene walk or a challenging bike ride, while fishing enthusiasts can try their luck with the lake's stock of trout and catfish. The reservoir's history as a vital part of Aurora's water management and its transformation into a recreation hub highlights its dual role in both sustaining life and enhancing the quality of life in the area.

Field Guide · Reservoir
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Aurora Reservoir

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado★ 6.5⌖ 8 miBoating
Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado

Located close to Aurora, Cherry Creek State Park offers water activities like boating and fishing. Explore more than 12 miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking. Popular for bird watching, with spring and fall as ideal visiting seasons. Family-friendly and easily accessible.

Waterfront Recreation at Chatfield State Park, Colorado★ 6.5⌖ 19 miPaddleboarding
Chatfield State Park

Waterfront Recreation at Chatfield State Park, Colorado

Chatfield State Park near Littleton, CO offers easy-access water sports on a large reservoir plus trails for hiking and biking. Popular for fishing and birdwatching, it’s a great family-friendly spot with flat terrain and facilities for a relaxed outdoor day.

PaddleboardingView Details→
Water Adventure & Wildlife at Chatfield Reservoir, Colorado★ 7.2⌖ 20 miKayaking
Chatfield Reservoir

Water Adventure & Wildlife at Chatfield Reservoir, Colorado

Chatfield Reservoir, about 20 miles southwest of Denver, offers easy paddling and flat trails around a calm lake. Ideal for kayaking, bird watching, hiking, and biking, this peaceful spot features wildlife viewing and scenic water views with accessible facilities.

Rock Formations and Scenic Trails at Roxborough State Park★ 8.5⌖ 22 miHiking
Roxborough State Park

Rock Formations and Scenic Trails at Roxborough State Park

Explore Roxborough State Park near Littleton, CO, with its famous red sandstone formations and scenic hiking trails. Moderate difficulty routes offer wildlife viewing and photography opportunities from spring through fall. The park is accessible by car and family-friendly with visitor amenities.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Beach area with designated swimming spots✦ Diverse fish species for angling enthusiasts✦ Scenic trails for walking and cycling✦ Designated areas for picnics and family gatherings
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Aurora Reservoir

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Aurora Reservoir
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Aurora Reservoir
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Aurora Reservoir
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Aurora Reservoir
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Aurora Reservoir
Park Recreation

Swimming

Available in Aurora Reservoir
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Aurora Reservoir.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee applies; annual passes available.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Aurora Reservoir

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Parker
⌖ 5.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Parker, Colorado

A family-friendly suburban gateway offering easy access to diverse outdoor activities, combining open spaces, rolling trails, and nearby mountain adventure.

Spring through Fall for outdoor trails, Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Danish Village
⌖ 8.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Danish Village, Colorado

A small, tranquil mountain community offering peaceful access to alpine forests and trails near the Indian Peaks Wilderness for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and nature.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Centennial
⌖ 9.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Centennial, Colorado

A vibrant suburban town offering easy access to varied outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to paddling and nearby winter sports.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for nearby ski resortsExplore Town
Zanaka Village
⌖ 11.11 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Zanaka Village, State Unknown

A quiet village offering access to diverse outdoor adventures across rugged landscapes, waterways, and seasonal terrains, perfect for travelers seeking both relaxation and active experiences.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Aurora
⌖ 12.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Aurora, Colorado

A dynamic suburb of Denver offering diverse outdoor adventures with easy access to Colorado's iconic mountain landscapes.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Green Valley
⌖ 12.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Green Valley, Colorado

A peaceful mountain town offering direct access to rugged trails, alpine lakes, and winter sports amid the San Juan Mountains' stunning scenery.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and summer activities; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Aurora Reservoir

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.